Advice on gas strut weight?
#1
Posted 27 February 2019 - 12:16 AM
I will sometimes have ~50-80lbs of weight on the roof (Yakima bars with 2-3 large surfboards). But often I will have nothing up top.
Will 30 lb struts be too light for the surfboards? Conversely, would 40 lb struts be overkill when the roof is empty, or would they put too much stress on the canvas and hinges?
Thanks!
#2
Posted 27 February 2019 - 03:13 AM
I have 40's on my Hawk, with a large 265W solar panel on it in the front. At the back, I have pull down a bit to get the roof to come down. Other than that, they are perfect.
2012 ATC Puma Shell build - https://www.wanderth...012-puma-build/
Power considerations thread - https://www.wanderth...e-power-scotty/
Building out an electrical system - So, you want to setup a good electrical system in your camper? - Electrical, Charging, Solar, Batteries and Generators - Wander the West
#3
Posted 27 February 2019 - 05:17 AM
Im in the same boat. I have a 2017 swift with 30 lbs struts and lifting the roof was a little difficult with my Thule cargo box up top.
Anyone have a part number for the 40 lbs struts for a swift?
Thanks
2013 Nissan Frontier CC 4X4
OME HD front coils/shocks. OME/Dakar HD rear with Firestone airbags/cradles.
2017 FWC Swift Shell
Custom things and stuff.
#4
Posted 27 February 2019 - 01:07 PM
Rather than pull down your roof, try closing all windows and door, turn on the fantastic fan on high. The fan will suck the sides in, and the roof will lower much easier. It also eliminate having to go around the roof and tuck in any pieces of sidewall that may stick out.
With regards to surfboards on roof, when I carry my canoe on my yakima racks, I remove the canoe before lifting the roof. I have four external 40lb struts on my 2014 Eagle. I'll look for part #.
2016 F150, FX4, XLT super cab
2019 FWC Hawk Shell
2009 Ford Ranger 4x4, XLT, Supercab total loss on 7/30/19
2014 FWC Shell total loss on 7/30/19
Towed behind our home which is a 2005 Kountry Star Diesel Pusher
#5
Posted 27 February 2019 - 04:39 PM
2012 ATC Puma Shell build - https://www.wanderth...012-puma-build/
Power considerations thread - https://www.wanderth...e-power-scotty/
Building out an electrical system - So, you want to setup a good electrical system in your camper? - Electrical, Charging, Solar, Batteries and Generators - Wander the West
#6
Posted 02 March 2019 - 11:23 PM
40# are overkill in most cases. That being said, when I transport kayaks on top it lifts them no problem. I'll try the fan idea. I also have handles on the inside to help pull it down
#7
Posted 06 March 2019 - 01:57 PM
I have an Eagle and installed 30 lbs 5 years ago. I just bought 40 lb struts as, though the 30's work, I too have a large solar panel up there in front and a rack with the 2 sand mats stored at the back. I have the Yakima bars as well or when I take the canoe (never raised it with the boat).
I also carry along the speaker crank in case my wife needs to do the roof or my back is sore.
2016 Duramax 2.8 Diesel long bed Colorado 4WD with 2011 Eagle
#8
Posted 06 March 2019 - 05:16 PM
I have an Eagle and installed 30 lbs 5 years ago. I just bought 40 lb struts as, though the 30's work, I too have a large solar panel up there in front and a rack with the 2 sand mats stored at the back. I have the Yakima bars as well or when I take the canoe (never raised it with the boat).
I also carry along the speaker crank in case my wife needs to do the roof or my back is sore.
I too am an Eagle with solar and roof racks. I went 40 and it is just right, the front is lighter than rear so sometimes I'll have to pull down a little bit on front to fully close but not a big deal.
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users